We should have all our communications with men, as in the presence of God; and with God, as in the presence of men.

A man's profundity may keep him from opening on a first interview, and his caution on a second; but I should suspect his emptiness, if he carried on his reserve to a third.

A man who knows the world will not only make the most of everything he does know, but of many things he does not know, and will gain more credit by his adroit mode of hiding his ignorance than the pedant by his awkward attempt to exhibit his erudition.

Body and mind, like man and wife, do not always agree to die together.

If you want enemies, excel others; if you want friends, let others excel you.

There are two modes of establishing our reputation; to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.

As that gallant can best affect a pretended passion for one woman who has no true love for another, so he that has no real esteem for any of the virtues can best assume the appearance of them all.